RRC connection management method and apparatus, and device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communications technologies, and provide an RRC connection management method and apparatus, and a device. The method includes: sending, by UE when in an RRC idle mode, an uplink data request to an access network node by using a shared data sending resource, where the uplink data request includes uplink data and request information that is used for requesting to enter an RRC connected mode; and receiving, by the UE, an access network dedicated identifier of the UE from the access network node, where the access network dedicated identifier of the UE is determined by the access network node according to the request information, and the UE is in the RRC connected mode within a validity period of the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/CN2015/095669, filed on Nov. 26, 2015, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field ofcommunications technologies, and in particular, to a radio resourcecontrol (RRC) connection management method and apparatus, and a device.

BACKGROUND

With popularity of intelligent terminal devices such as smartphones,various machine-to-machine (M2M) services such as intelligent meterreading, intelligent transportation, and intelligent health care havebeen widely applied. This type of service has particular regularity. Forexample, a small data volume is transmitted each time, a time intervalfor each transmission is fixed, and when no service data is transmitted,the devices are in an idle mode.

For the foregoing small packet transmission scenario, to improve datatransmission efficiency and reduce a large amount of signaling overheadscaused by bearer establishment, a solution in which user equipment (UE)switches from an RRC idle mode to an RRC connected mode is provided inthe prior art. A specific solution is as follows: When UE switches fromthe RRC connected mode to the RRC idle mode, a base station instructsthe UE to store context information of an RRC connection, and notifiesthe UE of an identifier that is used for instructing to resumeestablishment of the RRC connection. In addition, the base stationstores context information of an S1 interface between the base stationand a core network, and instructs a mobility management entity (MME) toactivate a data path between the mobility management entity and agateway (GW). When the UE needs to transmit uplink service data to thebase station, the UE initiates a random access process, to send an RRCconnection resume request to the base station in a form of an RRCmessage. The RRC connection resume request carries the foregoingidentifier that is used for instructing to resume establishment of theRRC connection. After receiving the RRC connection resume request, thebase station resumes the RRC connection to the UE, and instructs the MMEto resume the data path between the MME and the GW. Subsequently, the UEsends uplink service data to the base station by using the resumed RRCconnection. In addition, after receiving the foregoing RRC message, thebase station activates an original security parameter (that is, asecurity parameter previously used by the UE in the RRC connected mode).The UE and the base station use the original security parameter toperform security protection on service data.

However, in the foregoing solution provided in the prior art, the UErequests, by using the RRC message in a process in which the UE switchesfrom the RRC idle mode to the RRC connected mode, the base station toresume the RRC connection, and signaling interaction of a large quantityof steps is needed between the UE and the base station to resume datatransmission, thereby causing low efficiency.

SUMMARY

To resolve the problem in the prior art, embodiments of the presentdisclosure provide an RRC connection management method and apparatus,and a device. The technical solutions are as follows:

According to a first aspect, an RRC connection management method isprovided. The method includes: sending, by UE when in an RRC idle mode,an uplink data request to an access network node by using a shared datasending resource, where the uplink data request includes uplink data andrequest information that is used for requesting to enter an RRCconnected mode; and receiving, by the UE, an access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE from the access network node, where the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE is determined by the accessnetwork node according to the request information, and the UE is in theRRC connected mode within a validity period of the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE.

The UE sends, when in the RRC idle mode, the uplink data request to theaccess network node by using the shared data sending resource, where theuplink data request includes both the uplink data and the requestinformation that is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode,so that the access network node establishes an RRC connection to the UEaccording to the request information. This resolves the problem of lowefficiency in the solution provided in the prior art. The problem iscaused because the UE requests, in a process in which the UE switchesfrom the RRC idle mode to the RRC connected mode, a base station toresume the RRC connection by using an RRC message, and signalinginteraction of a large quantity of steps is needed between the UE andthe base station to resume data transmission. The UE requests to enterthe RRC connected mode while sending the uplink data, thereby reducingsignaling overheads required for establishing or resuming an RRCconnection, and achieving a technical effect of rapidly and efficientlyestablishing or resuming an RRC connection.

In a first possible implementation of the first aspect, the requestinformation includes: a non-access stratum identifier (NAS ID) of the UEand first indication information that is used for requesting toestablish an RRC connection.

When the UE in the RRC idle mode needs to transmit uplink data, the UErequests to establish an RRC connection while sending the uplink data tothe access network node, thereby implementing rapid and efficient datasending and connection establishment.

With reference to the first possible implementation of the first aspect,in a second possible implementation of the first aspect, before thesending, by UE, an uplink data request to an access network node byusing a shared data sending resource, the method further includes:negotiating, by the UE, with a core network node on a first securityparameter and a second security parameter, where the first securityparameter is used for performing security protection on the uplink data,and the second security parameter is used for performing securityprotection on NAS signaling; and performing, by the UE, securityprotection on the uplink data by using the first security parameter.

The UE negotiates with the core network node on the first securityparameter, and performs security protection on the uplink data by usingthe first security parameter, thereby ensuring security of the uplinkdata.

In a third possible implementation of the first aspect, the requestinformation includes: the access network dedicated identifier used bythe UE in the RRC connected mode before entering the RRC idle mode andsecond indication information that is used for resuming an RRCconnection.

When the UE in the RRC idle mode needs to transmit uplink data, the UErequests to resume an RRC connection while sending the uplink data tothe access network node, thereby implementing rapid and efficient datasending and connection resumption.

With reference to the third possible implementation of the first aspect,in a fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, before thesending, by UE, an uplink data request to an access network node byusing a shared data sending resource, the method further includes:negotiating, by the UE in the RRC connected mode before entering the RRCidle mode, with the access network node on a target security parameterto be used next time the UE enters the RRC connected mode, where thetarget security parameter has not been used previously in the RRCconnected mode; and performing, by the UE, security protection on theuplink data by using the target security parameter.

The UE negotiates, when in the RRC connected mode, with the accessnetwork node on the target security parameter to be used next time theUE enters the RRC connected mode, and the target security parameter hasnot been used previously in the RRC connected mode, thereby ensuringthat a different security parameter is used each time in the RRCconnected mode to protect data, and implementing secure connectionresumption. Compared with the prior art in which an original securityparameter is still used to protect data after an RRC connection isresumed, the solution provided in this embodiment has higher security.

With reference to the first aspect or any possible implementation of thefirst aspect, in a fifth possible implementation of the first aspect,the method further includes: sending, by the UE, an identifierre-determining request to the access network node if the UE movesoutside n cells corresponding to the access network dedicated identifierof the UE within the validity period of the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE. The access network dedicated identifier of the UEis unique in the n cells, and n is a positive integer. The identifierre-determining request is used for requesting the access network node tore-determine the access network dedicated identifier of the UE. Theidentifier re-determining request and the uplink data are jointly sent,or the identifier re-determining request is sent in a form of a mediaaccess control (MAC) layer control packet.

In the foregoing manner, availability of the RRC connection is stilleffectively ensured if the UE moves between cells.

With reference to the first aspect or any possible implementation of thefirst aspect, in a sixth possible implementation of the first aspect,the receiving, by the UE, an access network dedicated identifier of theUE from the access network node includes: receiving, by the UE, anacknowledge response from the access network node. The acknowledgeresponse is used for indicating that the access network nodeacknowledges that the uplink data has been received, and the acknowledgeresponse includes the access network dedicated identifier of the UE orthe access network dedicated identifier of the UE and security parameteracknowledge information.

The access network dedicated identifier of the UE is added to theacknowledge response fed back to the UE, thereby further reducingsignaling overheads.

With reference to the first aspect or any possible implementation of thefirst aspect, in a seventh possible implementation of the first aspect,after the receiving, by the UE, an access network dedicated identifierof the UE from the access network node, the method further includes:starting, by the UE, a first timer, where the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE is within the validity period before the firsttimer times out.

Maintenance is performed on a timer, to determine, according to whetherthe timer times out, whether to disconnect an RRC connection.

With reference to the seventh possible implementation of the firstaspect, in an eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, afterthe starting, by the UE, a first timer, the method further includes:restarting, by the UE, the first timer after sending the uplink data tothe access network node; or restarting, by the UE, the first timer afterreceiving downlink data from the access network node.

In the foregoing manner, the RRC connection is maintained when there isdata being transmitted, and the RRC connection is disconnected whenthere is no data being transmitted for a long time, to implementeffective management of the RRC connection.

According to a second aspect, an RRC connection management method isprovided. The method includes: receiving, by an access network node, anuplink data request from user equipment (UE) when in an RRC idle mode byusing a shared data sending resource, where the uplink data requestincludes uplink data and request information that is used for requestingto enter an RRC connected mode; establishing, by the access networknode, an RRC connection to the UE according to the request information,and determining an access network dedicated identifier of the UE; andsending, by the access network node, the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE to the UE, where the UE is in the RRC connectedmode within a validity period of the access network dedicated identifierof the UE.

In a first possible implementation of the second aspect, the requestinformation includes a NAS ID of the UE and first indication informationthat is used for requesting to establish an RRC connection.Correspondingly, the establishing, by the access network node, an RRCconnection to the UE according to the request information, anddetermining an access network dedicated identifier of the UE includes:establishing, by the access network node, the RRC connection to the UEaccording to the first indication information, and allocating the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE that corresponds to the NAS ID tothe UE.

With reference to the first possible implementation of the secondaspect, in a second possible implementation of the second aspect,security protection is performed on the uplink data by using a firstsecurity parameter obtained through negotiation between the UE and acore network node. The first security parameter and a second securityparameter are determined through negotiation between the UE and the corenetwork node, the first security parameter is used for performingsecurity protection on the uplink data, and the second securityparameter is used for performing security protection on NAS signaling.

In a third possible implementation of the second aspect, the requestinformation includes: the access network dedicated identifier used bythe UE in the RRC connected mode before entering the RRC idle mode andsecond indication information that is used for resuming an RRCconnection. Correspondingly, the establishing, by the access networknode, an RRC connection to the UE according to the request information,and determining an access network dedicated identifier of the UEincludes: resuming, by the access network node, an RRC connection to theUE according to the second indication information, and reusing theaccess network dedicated identifier of the UE.

With reference to the third possible implementation of the secondaspect, in a fourth possible implementation of the second aspect,security protection is performed on the uplink data by using a targetsecurity parameter obtained through negotiation between the UE and theaccess network node. Correspondingly, before the receiving, by an accessnetwork node, an uplink data request from UE when in an RRC idle mode byusing a shared data sending resource, the method further includes:negotiating, by the access network node, with the UE in the RRCconnected mode before the UE enters the RRC idle mode on a targetsecurity parameter to be used next time the UE enters the RRC connectedmode, where the target security parameter has not been used previouslyin the RRC connected mode.

With reference to the second aspect or any possible implementation ofthe second aspect, in a fifth possible implementation of the secondaspect, the sending, by the access network node, the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE to the UE includes: sending, by theaccess network node, an acknowledge response to the UE. The acknowledgeresponse is used for indicating that the access network nodeacknowledges that the uplink data has been received, and the acknowledgeresponse includes the access network dedicated identifier of the UE orthe access network dedicated identifier of the UE and security parameteracknowledge information.

With reference to the second aspect or any possible implementation ofthe second aspect, in a sixth possible implementation of the secondaspect, after the sending, by the access network node, the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE to the UE, the method furtherincludes: starting, by the access network node, a second timer, wherethe access network dedicated identifier of the UE is within the validityperiod before the second timer times out.

With reference to the sixth possible implementation of the secondaspect, in a seventh possible implementation of the second aspect, afterthe starting, by the access network node, a second timer, the methodfurther includes: restarting, by the access network node, the secondtimer after sending downlink data to the UE; or restarting, by theaccess network node, the second timer after receiving the uplink datafrom the UE.

With reference to the sixth possible implementation of the secondaspect, in an eighth possible implementation of the second aspect, afterthe starting, by the access network node, a second timer, the methodfurther includes: sending, by the access network node, notificationinformation to an MME after the second timer times out. The notificationinformation is used for instructing the MME to release a signalingconnection between the MME and the access network node and a dedicateddata bearer, between the MME and a GW, of the UE.

The method on the access network node side corresponds to the method onthe UE side, and technical effects achieved by using the methods are thesame as or similar to each other.

According to a third aspect, an RRC connection management apparatus isprovided. The apparatus is applied to UE. Functional units included inthe apparatus are configured to implement the method according to thefirst aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, an RRC connection management apparatus isprovided. The apparatus is applied to an access network node. Functionalunits included in the apparatus are configured to implement the methodaccording to the second aspect.

According to a fifth aspect, UE is provided. The UE includes: aprocessor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory is configured tostore one or more instructions. The instructions are configured forexecution by the processor, and the instructions are used forimplementing the method according to the first aspect.

According to a sixth aspect, an access network node is provided. Theaccess network node includes: a processor, a memory, and a transceiver.The memory is configured to store one or more instructions. Theinstructions are configured for execution by the processor, and theinstructions are used for implementing the method according to thesecond aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the presentdisclosure more clearly, the following briefly describes theaccompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments.Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description showmerely some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person ofordinary skill in the art may still derive other drawings from theseaccompanying drawings without creative efforts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implementation environment accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an RRC connection management method accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an RRC connection management method accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an RRC connection management method accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an RRC connection management method accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an RRC connection management apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an RRC connection management apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an RRC connection management apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of an RRC connection management apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an RRC connection management systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of UE according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an access network node according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure withreference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implementationenvironment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theimplementation environment includes: UE 110, an access network node 120,and a core network node 130.

The UE 110 may include a handheld device (such as a mobile phone), anin-vehicle device, a wearable device, a computing device, or anotherprocessing device connected to a wireless modem, that has a wirelesscommunication function, and various forms of user equipments (UEs),mobile stations (MS), terminals, terminal equipments (TE), and the like.For ease of description, such a device or equipment is briefly referredto as user equipment or UE in this application.

The access network node 120 is a network element in an access network.As shown in FIG. 1, using a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS) as an example, the access network node 120 may be a NodeB, or maybe a radio network controller (RNC) (not shown in the figure). In a longterm evolution (LTE) wireless network architecture, a base station is anevolved NodeB (eNB).

The core network node 130 is a network element in a core network (CN).As shown in FIG. 1, using an LTE wireless network architecture as anexample, the core network node 130 includes an MME and a serving gateway(S-GW)/PDN gateway (P-GW). The MME is mainly configured to completemobility management and session management of the UE 110. The S-GW ismainly responsible for forwarding data between the eNB and the P-GW. TheP-GW is mainly responsible for processing an internet protocol (IP) dataservice.

In the implementation environment shown in FIG. 1, description isprovided merely by using the fourth generation of mobile phone mobilecommunication technology standards (4G). The technical solutionsprovided in the present disclosure are also applicable to anotherexisting type of wireless communications network or a future wirelesscommunications network, for example, a fifth generation mobilecommunications technology standard (5G) network.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an RRC connectionmanagement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.The method may be applied to the implementation environment shown inFIG. 1. The method may include the following steps.

Step 202. UE sends, when in an RRC idle mode, an uplink data request toan access network node by using a shared data sending resource, wherethe uplink data request includes uplink data and request informationthat is used for requesting to enter an RRC connected mode.

Extensibly, the RRC idle mode in this embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be a power saving mode in which the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE is stored. That is, the RRC idle mode inthis embodiment of the present disclosure is different from atraditional RRC idle mode. The UE in the traditional RRC idle modereleases all context information (including the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE) of the RRC connected mode. In this embodiment ofthe present disclosure, when the UE is in the RRC idle mode, somecontext information of the RRC connected mode may be stored, such as theaccess network dedicated identifier of the UE.

Correspondingly, the access network node receives the uplink datarequest from the UE.

Step 204. The access network node establishes an RRC connection to theUE according to the request information, and determines an accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE.

Step 206. The access network node sends the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE to the UE, where the UE is in the RRC connectedmode within a validity period of the access network dedicated identifierof the UE.

Correspondingly, the UE receives the access network dedicated identifierof the UE from the access network node.

In another possible implementation, the uplink data request sent by theUE to the access network node does not include the request informationthat is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode. That is,the UE sends, by using the shared data sending resource, the uplink datarequest that carries the uplink data to the access network node, as animplicit manner of requesting to enter the RRC connected mode.Correspondingly, after receiving the uplink data request from the UE byusing the shared data sending resource, the access network nodeestablishes the RRC connection to the UE, and determines the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE. For example, an access networkdedicated identifier is allocated to UE without any access networkdedicated identifier.

In conclusion, according to the method provided in this embodiment, theUE sends, when in the RRC idle mode, the uplink data request to theaccess network node by using the shared data sending resource, where theuplink data request includes both the uplink data and the requestinformation that is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode,so that the access network node establishes an RRC connection to the UEaccording to the request information. This resolves the problem of lowefficiency in the solution provided in the prior art. The problem iscaused because the UE requests, in a process in which the UE switchesfrom the RRC idle mode to the RRC connected mode, a base station toresume the RRC connection by using an RRC message, and signalinginteraction of a large quantity of steps is needed between the UE andthe base station to resume data transmission. The UE requests to enterthe RRC connected mode while sending the uplink data, thereby reducingsignaling overheads required for establishing or resuming an RRCconnection, and achieving a technical effect of rapidly and efficientlyestablishing or resuming an RRC connection.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide two solutions in whichUE rapidly enters an RRC connected mode. In the following embodimentshown in FIG. 3, UE in an RRC idle mode requests to establish an RRCconnection while sending uplink data to an access network node. In asmall packet transmission scenario, the RRC connection that the UErequests to establish may be referred to as a lightweight RRC connection(that is, a light RRC connection). In the following embodiment shown inFIG. 4, UE in an RRC idle mode requests to resume an RRC connectionwhile sending uplink data to an access network node. The RRC connectionthat the UE requests to resume is an RRC connection used previously inan RRC connected mode before the UE enters the RRC idle mode. Theforegoing two solutions are described and illustrated respectively byusing two embodiments of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an RRC connectionmanagement method according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. This embodiment is described by using an example in whichthe method is applied to the implementation environment shown in FIG. 1.The method may include the following steps.

Step 301. UE negotiates with a core network node on a first securityparameter and a second security parameter.

The first security parameter is used for performing security protectionon the uplink data. The uplink data may be uplink user plane data, oruplink control plane signaling. The first security parameter includesbut is not limited to at least one of the following parameters: anencryption algorithm, a key corresponding to an encryption algorithm, anintegrity protection algorithm, or a key corresponding to an integrityprotection algorithm. The second security parameter is used forperforming security protection on NAS signaling. In this embodiment, theUE negotiates with the core network node on a security parameter. Thecore network node may be an MME or a GW.

Extensibly, the first security parameter is used by the UE when sendinguplink data to the access network node by using the shared data sendingresource, and the second security parameter is used by the UE whensending uplink data to the access network node by using a dedicated datasending resource. This implements security isolation by using twodifferent encryption modes when the UE requests to enter the RRCconnected mode and after the UE enters the RRC connection mode.

Step 302. The UE sends, when in an RRC idle mode, an uplink data requestto an access network node by using a shared data sending resource.

The uplink data request includes the uplink data and request informationthat is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode. In thisembodiment, the request information includes: a NAS ID of the UE andfirst indication information that is used for requesting to establish anRRC connection. For example, the NAS ID may be an S-temporary mobilesubscriber identity (S-TMSI) or an IP address.

In addition, in the prior art, when in the RRC idle mode, if the UEneeds to send uplink data to the access network node, the UE first needsto send a scheduling request to the access network node. The schedulingrequest is used for requesting the access network node to allocate adata sending resource. Subsequently, the UE sends uplink data to theaccess network node by using the allocated data sending resource.Different from the prior art, in this embodiment, the access networknode allocates a group of shared data sending resources (also referredto as a shared resource pool) to UE in a cell in advance. When the UEneeds to send uplink data to the access network node, the UE selects adata sending resource from the foregoing shared resource pool allocatedin advance, and sends an uplink data request to the access network nodeby using the selected data sending resource. Optionally, the accessnetwork node allocates a shared data sending resource to a group of UEsin a cell. The UEs use the shared data sending resource to send anuplink data request.

In an example, the data sending resource is a physical uplink sharedchannel (PUSCH). The access network node may allocate a group of sharedPUSCH resources to UEs in a cell in advance by using a systeminformation block (SIB) message. When there is uplink data beingtransmitted, UE in the RRC idle mode selects, according to a presetrule, a PUSCH from the foregoing PUSCH resource allocated in advance,and sends an uplink data request to the access network node by using theselected PUSCH.

Correspondingly, the access network node receives the uplink datarequest from the UE.

Optionally, to ensure security of the uplink data, the UE performssecurity protection on the uplink data by using the first securityparameter obtained through negotiation between the UE and the corenetwork node.

Step 303. The access network node establishes an RRC connection to theUE according to first indication information, and allocates an accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE that corresponds to a NAS ID tothe UE.

In this embodiment, after receiving the uplink data request from the UE,the access network node establishes, according to the first indicationinformation, the RRC connection, that is, the light RRC connectiondescribed above, to the UE. In addition, the access network nodeallocates the access network dedicated identifier to the UE. The accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE may be a radio network temporaryidentifier (RNTI). The RNTI may be unique in a cell, that is, the RNTIis a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), or the RNTI maybe unique in a plurality of cells. In addition, the access network nodestores a correspondence between the NAS ID of the UE and the accessnetwork dedicated identifier.

Step 304. The access network node sends the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE to the UE.

Correspondingly, the UE receives the access network dedicated identifierfrom the access network node. The UE is in the RRC connected mode withina validity period of the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.

In a possible implementation, the access network node adds the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE to an acknowledge response fedback to the UE. Specifically, the access network node sends theacknowledge response to the UE. The acknowledge response is used forindicating that the access network node acknowledges that the uplinkdata has been received. The acknowledge response includes the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receivesthe acknowledge response from the access network node.

Optionally, the access network node sends the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE by using a physical downlink shared channel(PDSCH), and sends information such as the NAS ID of the UE by using aphysical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or the PDSCH. The UE maydetermine, according to the NAS ID, whether the acknowledge response issent to the UE, and stores the access network dedicated identifier ofthe UE if the UE determines that the acknowledge response is sent to theUE.

Optionally, the UE sends acknowledgment information to the accessnetwork node. The acknowledgment information is used for indicating thatthe UE acknowledges that the access network dedicated identifier of theUE has been received. Correspondingly, the access network node receivesthe acknowledgment information from the UE.

In addition, after receiving the access network dedicated identifier ofthe UE from the access network node, the UE further performs step 305 asfollows:

Step 305. The UE starts a first timer.

For an occasion on which the UE starts the first timer, there are twopossible implementations as follows: In a first implementation, the UEstarts the first timer after receiving the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE from the access network node and before sendingacknowledgment information to the access network node. In a secondimplementation, the UE starts the first timer when or after sendingacknowledgment information to the access network node.

Before the first timer times out, the UE is in the RRC connected mode,and the access network dedicated identifier of the UE is within thevalidity period. In addition, when the UE is in the RRC connected mode,the UE restarts the first timer after sending the uplink data to theaccess network node; or the UE restarts the first timer after receivingdownlink data from the access network node, to ensure that the RRCconnection is maintained if there is data being transmitted.

After the first timer times out, the UE releases the access networkdedicated identifier, and switches from the RRC connected mode to theRRC idle mode.

Similarly, after sending the access network dedicated identifier of theUE to the UE, the access network node further performs step 306 asfollows:

Step 306. The access network node starts a second timer.

For an occasion on which the access network node starts the secondtimer, there are two possible implementations as follows: In a firstimplementation, the access network node starts the second timer when orafter sending the access network dedicated identifier of the UE to theUE. In a second implementation, the access network node starts thesecond timer after receiving acknowledgment information from the UE.

Before the second timer times out, the access network node considersthat the UE is in the RRC connected mode and the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE is within the validity period. Inaddition, when the UE is in the RRC connected mode, the access networknode restarts the second timer after sending downlink data to the UE; orthe access network node restarts the second timer after receiving theuplink data from the UE, to ensure that the RRC connection is maintainedif there is data being transmitted.

After the second timer times out, the access network node releases theaccess network dedicated identifier, and considers that the UE switchesfrom the RRC connected mode to the RRC idle mode. In addition, after thesecond timer times out, the access network node further sendsnotification information to an MME. The notification information is usedfor instructing the MME to release a signaling connection between theMME and the access network node and a dedicated data bearer, between theMME and a GW, of the UE.

In addition, within the validity period of the access network dedicatedidentifier, that is, when the UE is in the RRC connected mode, the UEmay move between cells. Therefore, to ensure validity of the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE, the UE sends an identifierre-determining request to the access network node if the UE movesoutside n cells corresponding to the access network dedicated identifierof the UE. The access network dedicated identifier of the UE is uniquein the n cells, and n is a positive integer. The identifierre-determining request is used for requesting the access network node tore-determine the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.Optionally, the identifier re-determining request and the uplink dataare jointly sent, or the identifier re-determining request is sent in aform of a MAC layer control packet. For example, when there is uplinkdata being sent, the UE adds the identifier re-determining request to adata packet of the uplink data. When there is no uplink data being sent,the UE sends a MAC layer control packet to the access network node, torequest the access network node to reallocate an access networkdedicated identifier of the UE.

In conclusion, according to the method provided in this embodiment, theUE sends, when in the RRC idle mode, the uplink data request to theaccess network node by using the shared data sending resource, where theuplink data request includes both the uplink data and the requestinformation that is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode,so that the access network node establishes an RRC connection to the UEaccording to the request information. This resolves the problem of lowefficiency in the solution provided in the prior art. The problem iscaused because the UE requests, in a process in which the UE switchesfrom the RRC idle mode to the RRC connected mode, a base station toresume the RRC connection by using an RRC message, and signalinginteraction of a large quantity of steps is needed between the UE andthe base station to resume data transmission. The UE requests to enterthe RRC connected mode while sending the uplink data, thereby reducingsignaling overheads required for establishing or resuming an RRCconnection, and achieving a technical effect of rapidly and efficientlyestablishing or resuming an RRC connection.

In this embodiment, the UE in the RRC idle mode requests to establish alightweight RRC connection while sending uplink data to the accessnetwork node, thereby implementing rapid and efficient data sending andconnection establishment.

In addition, the UE negotiates with the core network node on the firstsecurity parameter, and performs security protection on the uplink databy using the first security parameter, thereby ensuring security of theuplink data.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an RRC connectionmanagement method according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. This embodiment is described by using an example in whichthe method is applied to the implementation environment shown in FIG. 1.The method may include the following steps.

Step 401. UE negotiates, when in an RRC connected mode before enteringan RRC idle mode, with an access network node on a target securityparameter to be used next time the UE enters the RRC connected mode.

Different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, theUE and the access network node negotiate on a security parameter. Forexample, when or before the access network node instructs the UE toenter the RRC idle mode, the access network node and the UE deduce atarget security parameter to be used next time the UE enters the RRCconnected mode. The target security parameter has not been usedpreviously in the RRC connected mode. After entering the RRC connectedmode, the UE resumes a radio configuration parameter used previously inthe RRC connected mode.

In a possible implementation, the UE and the access network nodeproactively negotiate with each other to determine the target securityparameter. In another possible implementation, the MME instructs the UEand the access network node to determine the target security parameterthrough negotiation. In an example, the UE and the access network nodemay deduce, based on an existing base station key, a key for protectinguser plane data and a key for protecting control plane signaling thatare used next time the UE enters the RRC connected mode.

In this embodiment, after the UE switches from the RRC connected mode tothe RRC idle mode, the access network node stores context information ofthe UE.

Step 402. The UE sends, when in the RRC idle mode, an uplink datarequest to the access network node by using a shared data sendingresource.

The uplink data request includes uplink data and request informationthat is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode. In thisembodiment, the request information includes an access network dedicatedidentifier used by the UE in the RRC connected mode before entering theRRC idle mode and second indication information that is used forresuming an RRC connection. Different from the embodiment shown in FIG.3, in this embodiment, the UE requests to resume a previous RRCconnection while sending uplink data to the access network node.Therefore, the UE continues to use the access network dedicatedidentifier used previously in the RRC connected mode. In addition, theuplink data request may be sent in a form of a MAC packet.

Correspondingly, the access network node receives the uplink datarequest from the UE.

Optionally, to ensure security of the uplink data, the UE performssecurity protection on the uplink data by using the target securityparameter obtained through negotiation between the UE and the accessnetwork node.

Optionally, the uplink data request further includes security parameterindication information. The security parameter indication information isused for indicating a security parameter used by the UE. For example,the security parameter indication information may be an identifier ofthe target security parameter, and include one of the followingparameters: a key identifier or an algorithm identifier. In addition, ifthe UE does not provide any security parameter indication information tothe access network node, the access network node subsequently selects,by default, an unused key that is previously deduced and a previouslyused data security algorithm.

Optionally, the UE may deduce, based on a key previously in the RRCconnected mode (for example, a base station key previously in the RRCconnected mode), a key in a security parameter used in the RRC connectedmode that the UE currently requests to enter. Correspondingly, theuplink data request further includes a key deduction parameter. The keydeduction parameter is used for indicating a manner in which the UEdeduces a key. The access network node may further deduce, based on thekey and the key deduction parameter previously in the RRC connectedmode, a key in a security parameter used in the RRC connected mode thatthe UE currently requests to enter.

Optionally, the UE may perform integrity protection on all or someinformation included in the uplink data request. The access network nodecorrespondingly performs an integrity check, and sends an acknowledgeresponse to the UE only after the check is successful.

Step 403. The access network node resumes an RRC connection to the UEaccording to second indication information, and reuses an access networkdedicated identifier of the UE.

In this embodiment, after receiving the uplink data request from the UE,the access network node resumes the RRC connection to the UE accordingto the second indication information. In addition, the access networknode reuses context information of the UE and the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE.

Step 404. The access network node sends the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE to the UE.

Correspondingly, the UE receives the access network dedicated identifierfrom the access network node. The UE is in the RRC connected mode withina validity period of the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.

In a possible implementation, the access network node sends theacknowledge response to the UE. The acknowledge response is used forindicating that the access network node acknowledges that the uplinkdata has been received, and the acknowledge response includes the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE or the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE and security parameter acknowledge information.Correspondingly, the UE receives the acknowledge response from theaccess network node. The security parameter acknowledge information isused for notifying the UE of a security parameter whose using currentlyin the RRC connected mode is acknowledged. Generally, the securityparameter whose using is acknowledged is the target security parameterpreviously obtained through negotiation.

In addition, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the timers maybe separately maintained on the UE side and the access network nodeside, to determine, according to whether the timers time out, whether todisconnect the RRC connection.

Optionally, if the access network node determines that the RRCconnection needs to be disconnected, the access network node mayinstruct, by using RRC signaling, the UE to release the RRC connection.

In addition, if the UE does not hand over between cells, the UE maydirectly initiate the foregoing uplink data request to an access networknode of a current cell, to request the access network node to resume theRRC connection. If the UE hands over between cells (for example, the UEmoves from a cell of origin to a target cell), the UE notifies an accessnetwork node or an MME in the target cell of related information of anaccess network node in the cell of origin, so that the access networknode in the target cell obtains context information of the UE andaddress information of a GW from the access network node in the cell oforigin. In addition, the access network node or the MME in the targetcell, or the access network node or an MME in the cell or origin,notifies the GW of related information of the access network node in thetarget cell in which the UE is currently located, so that the GWaccurately locates, when there is downlink data of the UE to bedelivered, the target cell in which the UE is currently located, therebyensuring that the downlink data is successfully delivered.

In conclusion, according to the method provided in this embodiment, theUE sends, when in the RRC idle mode, the uplink data request to theaccess network node by using the shared data sending resource, where theuplink data request includes both the uplink data and the requestinformation that is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode,so that the access network node establishes an RRC connection to the UEaccording to the request information. This resolves the problem of lowefficiency in the solution provided in the prior art. The problem iscaused because the UE requests, in a process in which the UE switchesfrom the RRC idle mode to the RRC connected mode, a base station toresume the RRC connection by using an RRC message, and signalinginteraction of a large quantity of steps is needed between the UE andthe base station to resume data transmission. The UE requests to enterthe RRC connected mode while sending the uplink data, thereby reducingsignaling overheads required for establishing or resuming an RRCconnection, and achieving a technical effect of rapidly and efficientlyestablishing or resuming an RRC connection.

In this embodiment, the UE in the RRC idle mode requests to resume theRRC connection while sending uplink data to the access network node,thereby implementing rapid and efficient data sending and connectionresumption.

In addition, the UE negotiates, when in the RRC connected mode, with theaccess network node on the target security parameter to be used nexttime the UE enters the RRC connected mode, and the target securityparameter has not been used previously in the RRC connected mode,thereby ensuring that a different security parameter is used each timein the RRC connected mode to protect data, and implementing secureconnection resumption. Compared with the prior art in which an originalsecurity parameter is still used to protect data after an RRC connectionis resumed, the solution provided in this embodiment has highersecurity.

In addition, after the UE enters the RRC idle mode, a public data tunnelmay be enabled between the base station and the GW. After the basestation receives the uplink data from the UE, a dedicated data tunnelfor the UE is established between the base station and the GW. After theUE enters the RRC idle mode, the base station and the MME may choose torelease a control plane connection. After the base station receives theuplink data from the UE, the base station resumes establishment of thecontrol plane connection to the MME.

A process of sending the uplink data of the UE in the RRC idle mode isdescribed and illustrated in the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.The following describes and illustrates a process of sending downlinkdata of the UE in the RRC idle mode by using the embodiment shown inFIG. 5.

Step 501. When UE is in an RRC idle mode, an access network nodereceives a downlink transmission instruction from a core network node.

In a possible implementation, a GW sends downlink data to an MME whenthere is downlink data of the UE to be delivered, and instructs the MMEto send a downlink transmission instruction to the access network node.In another possible implementation, a GW sends a downlink transmissioninstruction to the access network node by using a public data tunnelbetween the GW and a base station when there is downlink data of the UEto be delivered by the GW.

The downlink transmission instruction includes at least the downlinkdata and a NAS ID (for example, an S-TMSI) of the UE. The NAS ID of theUE is used for indicating the UE to which the access network node sendsthe downlink data. Optionally, the downlink transmission instructionfurther includes a calculation parameter used by the access network nodeto calculate a paging occasion. For example, the calculation parametermay be a modulus value of an international mobile subscriber identity(IMSI) of the UE, for example, IMSI mod 1024.

Step 502. The access network node determines a paging occasion afterreceiving the downlink transmission instruction.

The UE in the RRC idle mode listens, at pre-determined time intervals,to information from the access network node. Two adjacent preset timeintervals are the same or different. The access network node calculatesthe paging occasion according to a calculation parameter of a pagingoccasion. The paging occasion falls within a target time period in whichthe UE in the RRC idle mode listens to the information from the accessnetwork node.

For example, the access network node calculates the paging occasionaccording to IMSI mod 1024 and a discontinuous reception (DRX) parameterof the UE in the RRC idle mode. IMSI mod 1024 may be informed to theaccess network node by the core network node when sending the downlinktransmission instruction to the access network node, or may be provided,to the access network node for storage, by the core network node whenthe UE switches from the RRC connected mode to the RRC idle mode.

Step 503. The access network node sends a paging request to the UEaccording to the paging occasion.

Correspondingly, the UE receives the paging request from the accessnetwork node.

In a possible implementation, the access network node stores an accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE. The access network node searchesfor the corresponding access network dedicated identifier of the UEaccording to the NAS ID of the UE, and pages the UE based on the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE. Correspondingly, the UEdetermines, according to the access network dedicated identifier, thatthe paging request is sent to the UE.

In another possible implementation, when the UE switches from the RRCconnected mode to the RRC idle mode, the access network node notifiesthe UE of a shared access network identifier. The shared access networkidentifier is an access network identifier shared by a plurality of UEsin a cell. In this case, the access network node pages the UE based onthe shared access network identifier and the NAS ID of the UE.Correspondingly, the UE determines, according to the shared accessnetwork identifier and the NAS ID of the UE, that the paging request issent to the UE.

Step 504. The UE sends a paging response corresponding to the pagingrequest to the access network node.

After successfully receiving the paging request from the access networknode, the UE responds to the paging request, to notify the accessnetwork node that the UE is ready to receive the downlink data.

Optionally, if the UE has not released the access network dedicatedidentifier, the UE adds the access network dedicated identifier of theUE to the paging response. If the UE has released the access networkdedicated identifier, the UE adds the NAS ID of the UE to the pagingresponse, and requests the access network node to reallocate an accessnetwork dedicated identifier to the UE.

Correspondingly, the access network node receives the paging responsefrom the UE.

Step 505. The access network node establishes a dedicated data tunnelfor the UE to the core network node after receiving the paging responsefrom the UE.

After receiving the paging response from the UE, the base stationestablishes a dedicated data tunnel for the UE to the GW.

In addition, in a possible implementation, after receiving the pagingresponse from the UE, the access network node sends downlink data to theUE. In another possible implementation, the access network node adds thedownlink data to the paging request when sending the paging request tothe UE, thereby reducing an interaction step.

Optionally, if the UE and the base station negotiate with each other ona security parameter by using the solution provided in the embodimentshown in FIG. 4, the base station may perform security protection on thedownlink data by using the target security parameter obtained throughnegotiation between the base station and the UE. The base station mayindicate, during sending of the downlink data, the used securityparameter, for example, a key index value.

In this embodiment, when the UE is in the RRC idle mode, the accessnetwork node schedules the downlink data by calculating the pagingoccasion, thereby implementing rapid paging of the UE in a non-connectedmode.

In addition, in the foregoing method embodiments, the steps on the UEside may be independently implemented as an RRC connection managementmethod on the UE side, and the steps on the access network node side maybe independently implemented as an RRC connection management method onthe access network node side. In the foregoing method embodiments, theaccess network node is usually a base station.

The following is apparatus embodiments of the present disclosure, andmay be used to perform the method embodiments of the present disclosure.For details not disclosed in the apparatus embodiments of the presentdisclosure, refer to the method embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an RRC connectionmanagement apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The apparatus may be implemented as one part of UE or entireUE by using a hardware circuit or a combination of software andhardware. The apparatus may include: a sending unit 610 and a receivingunit 620.

The sending unit 610 is configured to send, when in an RRC idle mode, anuplink data request to an access network node by using a shared datasending resource. The uplink data request includes uplink data andrequest information that is used for requesting to enter an RRCconnected mode.

The receiving unit 620 is configured to receive an access networkdedicated identifier of the UE from the access network node. The accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE is determined by the accessnetwork node according to the request information, and the UE is in theRRC connected mode within a validity period of the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE.

In conclusion, according to the apparatus provided in this embodiment,the UE sends, when in the RRC idle mode, the uplink data request to theaccess network node by using the shared data sending resource, where theuplink data request includes both the uplink data and the requestinformation that is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode,so that the access network node establishes an RRC connection to the UEaccording to the request information. This resolves the problem of lowefficiency in the solution provided in the prior art. The problem iscaused because the UE requests, in a process in which the UE switchesfrom the RRC idle mode to the RRC connected mode, a base station toresume the RRC connection by using an RRC message, and signalinginteraction of a large quantity of steps is needed between the UE andthe base station to resume data transmission. The UE requests to enterthe RRC connected mode while sending the uplink data, thereby reducingsignaling overheads required for establishing or resuming an RRCconnection, and achieving a technical effect of rapidly and efficientlyestablishing or resuming an RRC connection.

In an optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown in FIG.6A, the request information includes: a NAS ID of the UE and firstindication information that is used for requesting to establish an RRCconnection.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6B, the apparatus further includes a dataprotection unit 630.

The data protection unit 630 is configured to: negotiate with a corenetwork node on a first security parameter and a second securityparameter, where the first security parameter is used for performingsecurity protection on the uplink data, and the second securityparameter is used for performing security protection on NAS signaling;and perform security protection on the uplink data by using the firstsecurity parameter.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 6A, the request information includes: the access network dedicatedidentifier used by the UE in the RRC connected mode before entering theRRC idle mode and second indication information that is used forresuming an RRC connection.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6B, the apparatus further includes a dataprotection unit 630.

The data protection unit 630 is configured to: negotiate, in the RRCconnected mode before entering the RRC idle mode, with the accessnetwork node on a target security parameter to be used next time the UEenters the RRC connected mode, where the target security parameter hasnot been used previously in the RRC connected mode; and perform securityprotection on the uplink data by using the target security parameter.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 6A, the sending unit 610 is further configured to: send anidentifier re-determining request to the access network node if the UEmoves outside n cells corresponding to the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE within the validity period of the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE. The access network dedicated identifierof the UE is unique in the n cells, and n is a positive integer. Theidentifier re-determining request is used for requesting the accessnetwork node to re-determine the access network dedicated identifier ofthe UE. The identifier re-determining request and the uplink data arejointly sent, or the identifier re-determining request is sent in a formof a MAC layer control packet.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 6A, the receiving unit 620 is further configured to: receive anacknowledge response from the access network node. The acknowledgeresponse is used for indicating that the access network nodeacknowledges that the uplink data has been received, and the acknowledgeresponse includes the access network dedicated identifier of the UE orthe access network dedicated identifier of the UE and security parameteracknowledge information.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 6A, as shown in FIG. 6B, the apparatus further includes a timerunit 640.

The timer unit 640 is configured to start a first timer after thereceiving unit 610 receives the access network dedicated identifier ofthe UE from the access network node. The access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE is within the validity period before the firsttimer times out.

Optionally, the timer unit 640 is further configured to: restart thefirst timer after the sending unit 610 sends the uplink data to theaccess network node; or restart the first timer after the receiving unit620 receives downlink data from the access network node.

Referring to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an RRC connectionmanagement apparatus according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The apparatus may be implemented as one part of an accessnetwork node or an entire access network node by using a hardwarecircuit or a combination of software and hardware. The apparatus mayinclude: a receiving unit 710, a processing unit 720, and a sending unit730.

The sending unit 710 is configured to receive an uplink data requestfrom UE when in an RRC idle mode by using a shared data sendingresource. The uplink data request includes uplink data and requestinformation that is used for requesting to enter an RRC connected mode.

The processing unit 720 is configured to: establish an RRC connection tothe UE according to the request information, and determine an accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE.

The sending unit 730 is configured to send the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE to the UE. The UE is in the RRC connected modewithin a validity period of the access network dedicated identifier ofthe UE.

In conclusion, according to the apparatus provided in this embodiment,the access network node receives the uplink data request that is sent byusing the shared data sending resource by the UE when in the RRC idlemode, where the uplink data request includes both the uplink data andthe request information that is used for requesting to enter the RRCconnected mode, so that the access network node establishes an RRCconnection to the UE according to the request information. This resolvesthe problem of low efficiency in the solution provided in the prior art.The problem is caused because the UE requests, in a process in which theUE switches from the RRC idle mode to the RRC connected mode, a basestation to resume the RRC connection by using an RRC message, andsignaling interaction of a large quantity of steps is needed between theUE and the base station to resume data transmission. The UE requests toenter the RRC connected mode while sending the uplink data, therebyreducing signaling overheads required for establishing or resuming anRRC connection, and achieving a technical effect of rapidly andefficiently establishing or resuming an RRC connection.

In an optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown in FIG.7A, the request information includes: a NAS ID of the UE and firstindication information that is used for requesting to establish an RRCconnection.

Correspondingly, the processing unit 720 is configured to: establish theRRC connection to the UE according to the first indication information,and allocate the access network dedicated identifier of the UE thatcorresponds to the NAS ID to the UE.

Optionally, security protection is performed on the uplink data by usinga first security parameter obtained through negotiation between the UEand a core network node. The first security parameter and a secondsecurity parameter are determined through negotiation between the UE andthe core network node, the first security parameter is used forperforming security protection on the uplink data, and the secondsecurity parameter is used for performing security protection on NASsignaling.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 7A, the request information includes: the access network dedicatedidentifier used by the UE in the RRC connected mode before entering theRRC idle mode and second indication information that is used forresuming an RRC connection.

Correspondingly, the processing unit 720 is configured to: resume an RRCconnection to the UE according to the second indication information, andreuse the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.

Optionally, security protection is performed on the uplink data by usinga target security parameter obtained through negotiation between the UEand the access network node. The processing unit 720 is furtherconfigured to negotiate with the UE in the RRC connected mode before theUE enters the RRC idle mode on a target security parameter to be usednext time the UE enters the RRC connected mode, where the targetsecurity parameter has not been used previously in the RRC connectedmode.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 7A, the sending unit 730 is further configured to send anacknowledge response to the UE. The acknowledge response is used forindicating that the access network node acknowledges that the uplinkdata has been received, and the acknowledge response includes the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE or the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE and security parameter acknowledge information.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 7A, as shown in FIG. 7B, the apparatus further includes a timerunit 740.

The timer unit 740 is configured to start a second timer after thesending unit 730 sends the access network dedicated identifier of the UEto the UE. The access network dedicated identifier of the UE is withinthe validity period before the second timer times out.

Optionally, the timer unit 740 is further configured to: restart thesecond timer after the sending unit 730 sends downlink data to the UE;or restart the second timer after the receiving unit 710 receives theuplink data from the UE.

Optionally, the sending unit 730 is further configured to sendnotification information to an MME after the second timer times out. Thenotification information is used for instructing the MME to release asignaling connection between the MME and the access network node and adedicated data bearer, between the MME and a GW, of the UE.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an RRC connectionmanagement system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.The system includes UE 810 and an access network node 820.

The UE 810 includes the RRC connection management apparatus provided inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 6A or any optional embodiment of theembodiment shown in FIG. 6A.

The access network node 820 includes the RRC connection managementapparatus provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A or any optionalembodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A.

It should be noted that when the apparatus provided in the foregoingembodiments implements functions of the apparatus, description isprovided merely by using division of the foregoing functional units asan example. In an actual application, the functions may be allocated todifferent functional units as required for completion. That is, aninternal structure of the device is divided into different functionalunits, to complete all or some of the functions described above. Inaddition, the apparatus provided in the foregoing embodiment belongs toa same concept as the method embodiment. For a specific implementationprocess of the apparatus, refer to the method embodiment. Details arenot described herein again.

Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a block diagram of UE according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the UE 900includes: a bus 910, and a processor 920, a memory 930, and atransceiver 940 that communicate with each other by using the bus 910.The memory 930 is configured to store one or more instructions, and theinstructions are configured to be executed by the processor 920.

The processor 920 is configured to control, when in a radio resourcecontrol (RRC) idle mode, the transceiver 940 to send an uplink datarequest to an access network node by using a shared data sendingresource. The uplink data request includes uplink data and requestinformation that is used for requesting to enter an RRC connected mode.

The processor 920 is further configured to control the transceiver 940to receive an access network dedicated identifier of the UE from theaccess network node. The access network dedicated identifier of the UEis determined by the access network node according to the requestinformation, and the UE is in the RRC connected mode within a validityperiod of the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.

In conclusion, the UE provided in this embodiment sends, when in the RRCidle mode, the uplink data request to the access network node by usingthe shared data sending resource, where the uplink data request includesboth the uplink data and the request information that is used forrequesting to enter the RRC connected mode, so that the access networknode establishes an RRC connection to the UE according to the requestinformation. This resolves the problem of low efficiency in the solutionprovided in the prior art. The problem is caused because the UErequests, in a process in which the UE switches from the RRC idle modeto the RRC connected mode, a base station to resume the RRC connectionby using an RRC message, and signaling interaction of a large quantityof steps is needed between the UE and the base station to resume datatransmission. The UE requests to enter the RRC connected mode whilesending the uplink data, thereby reducing signaling overheads requiredfor establishing or resuming an RRC connection, and achieving atechnical effect of rapidly and efficiently establishing or resuming anRRC connection.

In an optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown in FIG.9, the request information includes: a NAS ID of the UE and firstindication information that is used for requesting to establish an RRCconnection.

Optionally, the processor 920 is further configured to: negotiate with acore network node on a first security parameter and a second securityparameter, where the first security parameter is used for performingsecurity protection on the uplink data, and the second securityparameter is used for performing security protection on NAS signaling;and perform security protection on the uplink data by using the firstsecurity parameter.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the request information includes: the access network dedicatedidentifier used by the UE in the RRC connected mode before entering theRRC idle mode and second indication information that is used forresuming an RRC connection.

Optionally, the processor 920 is further configured to: negotiate, inthe RRC connected mode before entering the RRC idle mode, with theaccess network node on a target security parameter to be used next timethe UE enters the RRC connected mode, where the target securityparameter has not been used previously in the RRC connected mode; andperform security protection on the uplink data by using the targetsecurity parameter.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the processor 920 is further configured to: if the UE movesoutside n cells corresponding to the access network dedicated identifierof the UE within the validity period of the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE, control the transceiver 940 to send an identifierre-determining request to the access network node. The access networkdedicated identifier of the UE is unique in the n cells, and n is apositive integer. The identifier re-determining request is used forrequesting the access network node to re-determine the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE. The identifier re-determining requestand the uplink data are jointly sent, or the identifier re-determiningrequest is sent in a form of a MAC layer control packet.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the processor 920 is further configured to control thetransceiver 940 to receive an acknowledge response from the accessnetwork node. The acknowledge response is used for indicating that theaccess network node acknowledges that the uplink data has been received,and the acknowledge response includes the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE or the access network dedicated identifier of theUE and security parameter acknowledge information.

Based on another optional embodiment provided based on the embodimentshown in FIG. 9, the processor 920 is further configured to start afirst timer after the access network dedicated identifier of the UE thatis sent by the access network node is received. The access networkdedicated identifier of the UE is within the validity period before thefirst timer times out.

Optionally, the processor 920 is further configured to: restart thefirst timer after the uplink data is sent to the access network node; orrestart the first timer after downlink data is received from the accessnetwork node.

Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an access networknode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 10, the access network node 1000 includes: a bus 1010, and aprocessor 1020, a memory 1030, and a transceiver 1040 that communicatewith each other by using the bus 1010. The memory 1030 is configured tostore one or more instructions, and the instructions are configured tobe executed by the processor 1020.

The processor 1020 is configured to control the transceiver 1040 toreceive an uplink data request from UE when in an RRC idle mode by usinga shared data sending resource. The uplink data request includes uplinkdata and request information that is used for requesting to enter an RRCconnected mode.

The processor 1020 is further configured to: establish an RRC connectionto the UE according to the request information, and determine an accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE.

The processor 1020 is further configured to control the transceiver 1040to send the access network dedicated identifier of the UE to the UE. TheUE is in the RRC connected mode within a validity period of the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE.

In conclusion, the access network node provided in this embodimentreceives the uplink data request that is sent by using the shared datasending resource by the UE when in the RRC idle mode, where the uplinkdata request includes both the uplink data and the request informationthat is used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode, andsubsequently establishes an RRC connection to the UE according to therequest information. This resolves the problem of low efficiency in thesolution provided in the prior art. The problem is caused because the UErequests, in a process in which the UE switches from the RRC idle modeto the RRC connected mode, a base station to resume the RRC connectionby using an RRC message, and signaling interaction of a large quantityof steps is needed between the UE and the base station to resume datatransmission. The UE requests to enter the RRC connected mode whilesending the uplink data, thereby reducing signaling overheads requiredfor establishing or resuming an RRC connection, and achieving atechnical effect of rapidly and efficiently establishing or resuming anRRC connection.

In an optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown in FIG.10, the request information includes: a NAS ID of the UE and firstindication information that is used for requesting to establish an RRCconnection.

Correspondingly, the processor 1020 is configured to: establish the RRCconnection to the UE according to the first indication information, andallocate the access network dedicated identifier of the UE thatcorresponds to the NAS ID to the UE.

Optionally, security protection is performed on the uplink data by usinga first security parameter obtained through negotiation between the UEand a core network node. The first security parameter and a secondsecurity parameter are determined through negotiation between the UE andthe core network node, the first security parameter is used forperforming security protection on the uplink data, and the secondsecurity parameter is used for performing security protection on NASsignaling.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, the request information includes: the access network dedicatedidentifier used by the UE in the RRC connected mode before entering theRRC idle mode and second indication information that is used forresuming an RRC connection.

Correspondingly, the processor 1020 is configured to: resume an RRCconnection to the UE according to the second indication information, andreuse the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.

Optionally, security protection is performed on the uplink data by usinga target security parameter obtained through negotiation between the UEand the access network node. The processor 1020 is further configured tonegotiate with the UE in the RRC connected mode before the UE enters theRRC idle mode on a target security parameter to be used next time the UEenters the RRC connected mode, where the target security parameter hasnot been used previously in the RRC connected mode.

In another optional embodiment provided based on the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, the processor 1020 is further configured to control thetransceiver to send an acknowledge response to the UE. The acknowledgeresponse is used for indicating that the access network nodeacknowledges that the uplink data has been received, and the acknowledgeresponse includes the access network dedicated identifier of the UE orthe access network dedicated identifier of the UE and security parameteracknowledge information.

Based on another optional embodiment provided based on the embodimentshown in FIG. 10, the processor 1020 is further configured to start asecond timer after the access network dedicated identifier of the UE issent to the UE. The access network dedicated identifier of the UE iswithin the validity period before the second timer times out.

Optionally, the processor 1020 is further configured to: restart thesecond timer after downlink data is sent to the UE; or restart thesecond timer after the uplink data is received from the UE.

Optionally, the processor 1020 is further configured to control, afterthe second timer times out, the transceiver 1040 to send notificationinformation to an MME. The notification information is used forinstructing the MME to release a signaling connection between the MMEand the access network node and a dedicated data bearer, between the MMEand a GW, of the UE.

It should be understood that, unless the context clearly supports anexception, a singular form “one” (“a”, “an”, “the”) used herein alsointends to include a plural form. It should be further understood that“and/or” used herein intends to include any and all possiblecombinations of one or more correlated items that are listed.

The sequence numbers of the foregoing embodiments of the presentdisclosure are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended toindicate priorities of the embodiments.

A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand that all or some ofthe steps of the embodiments may be implemented by hardware or a programinstructing related hardware. The program may be stored in acomputer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may include: aread-only memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

The foregoing descriptions are merely examples of embodiments of thepresent disclosure, but are not intended to limit the presentdisclosure. Any modification, equivalent replacement, and improvementmade without departing from the spirit and principle of the presentdisclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radio resource control (RRC) connectionmanagement method comprising: sending, by user equipment (UE) when in anRRC power saving mode in which some context information of an RRCconnected mode is stored in the UE, an uplink data request to an accessnetwork node by using a shared resource for sending data, wherein theuplink data request comprises uplink data and request information thatis used for requesting to enter the RRC connected mode; and receiving,by the UE, an access network dedicated identifier of the UE from theaccess network node, wherein the access network dedicated identifier ofthe UE is determined by the access network node according to the requestinformation, and wherein the UE is in the RRC connected mode within avalidity period of the access network dedicated identifier of the UE;wherein before sending the uplink data request to the access networknode, the method further comprises: receiving, by the UE in the RRCconnected mode before entering the RRC power saving mode, from theaccess network node information indicating a target security parameterto be used next time the UE enters the RRC connected mode, wherein thetarget security parameter has not been used previously in the RRCconnected mode; and performing, by the UE, security protection on theuplink data by using the target security parameter according to theinformation indicating the target security parameter.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the request information comprises: anon-access stratum identifier (NAS ID) of the UE and first indicationinformation that is used for requesting to establish an RRC connection.3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the request informationcomprises: the access network dedicated identifier used by the UE in theRRC connected mode before entering the RRC power saving mode and secondindication information that is used for resuming an RRC connection. 4.The method according to claim 1, further comprising: sending, by the UE,an identifier re-determining request to the access network node inresponse to the UE moving outside n cells corresponding to the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE within the validity period of theaccess network dedicated identifier of the UE, wherein the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE is unique in the n cells, and nis a positive integer; wherein the identifier re-determining request isused for requesting the access network node to re-determine the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE; and wherein the identifierre-determining request and the uplink data are jointly sent, or theidentifier re-determining request is sent in a form of a media accesscontrol (MAC) layer control packet.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein the resource for sending data is pre-allocated.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein before sending the uplink data to theaccess network node, the method further comprises: receiving, by the UE,a paging request from the access network node, the paging requestcomprising downlink data; and sending, by the UE, a paging responsecorresponding to the paging request to the access network node.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising: obtaining, by the UE,the target security parameter used in the RRC connected mode that the UEcurrently requests to enter by deducing according to the informationindicating the security parameter, a base station key corresponding tothe target security parameter being a base station key used previouslyin the RRC connected mode.
 8. A radio resource control (RRC) connectionmanagement method comprising: receiving, by an access network node, anuplink data request from user equipment (UE) when in an RRC power savingmode in which some context information of an RRC connected mode isstored in the UE by using a shared resource for data, wherein the uplinkdata request comprises uplink data and request information that is usedfor requesting to enter the RRC connected mode; establishing, by theaccess network node, an RRC connection to the UE according to therequest information; determining, by the access network node, an accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE; and sending, by the accessnetwork node, the access network dedicated identifier of the UE to theUE to cause the UE being in the RRC connected mode within a validityperiod of the access network dedicated identifier of the UE; wherein theuplink data is security protected by using a target security parameter;and wherein before receiving the uplink data request, the method furthercomprises: sending, by the access network node, in the RRC connectedmode before the UE enters the RRC power saving mode, informationindicating the target security parameter to be used next time the UEenters the RRC connected mode, wherein the target security parameter hasnot been used previously in the RRC connected mode.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein the request information comprises anon-access stratum identifier (NAS ID) of the UE and first indicationinformation that is used for requesting to establish an RRC connection;and wherein the establishing the RRC connection to the UE according tothe request information, and the determining the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE comprises: establishing, by the accessnetwork node, the RRC connection to the UE according to the firstindication information, and allocating the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE that corresponds to the NAS ID to the UE.
 10. Themethod according to claim 8, wherein the request information comprises:the access network dedicated identifier used by the UE in the RRCconnected mode before entering the RRC power saving mode and secondindication information that is used for resuming an RRC connection; andwherein the establishing the RRC connection to the UE according to therequest information, and the determining the access network dedicatedidentifier of the UE comprises: resuming, by the access network node, anRRC connection to the UE according to the second indication information,and reusing the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.
 11. Themethod according to claim 8, further comprising: receiving, by theaccess network node, a downlink transmission instruction from a corenetwork node; determining, by the access network node, a paging occasionafter receiving the downlink transmission instruction according to amodulus value of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) ofthe UE, the modulus value being stored in the access network node; andsending, by the access network node, a paging request to the UEaccording to the paging occasion.
 12. The method according to claim 11,wherein the paging request comprises downlink data.
 13. An apparatus,applied for a user equipment (UE), comprising a memory and a processor,wherein the memory is configured to store instructions and the processoris configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus toperform steps comprising: when in a radio resource control (RRC) powersaving mode in which some context information of an RRC connected modeis stored in the UE, sending an uplink data request to an access networknode by using a shared resource for sending data, wherein the uplinkdata request comprises uplink data and request information that is usedfor requesting to enter the RRC connected mode; receiving an accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE from the access network node,wherein the access network dedicated identifier of the UE is determinedby the access network node according to the request information, andwherein the UE is in the RRC connected mode within a validity period ofthe access network dedicated identifier of the UE; before sending theuplink data request to the access network node, receiving, in the RRCconnected mode before entering the RRC power saving mode, from theaccess network node information indicating a target security parameterto be used next time the UE enters the RRC connected mode, wherein thetarget security parameter has not been used previously in the RRCconnected mode; and performing, security protection on the uplink databy using the target security parameter according to the informationindicating the target security parameter.
 14. The apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein the request information comprises: a non-accessstratum identifier (NAS ID) of the UE and first indication informationthat is used for requesting to establish an RRC connection.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 13, wherein the request informationcomprises: the access network dedicated identifier used by the UE in theRRC connected mode before entering the RRC power saving mode and secondindication information that is used for resuming an RRC connection. 16.The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the memory is configured tostore further instructions, which, when executed by the processor,causes the apparatus to perform steps further comprising: in response tothe UE moving outside n cells corresponding to the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE within the validity period of the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE, sending an identifierre-determining request to the access network node, and wherein: theaccess network dedicated identifier of the UE is unique in the n cells,and n is a positive integer; the identifier re-determining request isused for requesting the access network node to re-determine the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE; and the identifierre-determining request and the uplink data are jointly sent, or theidentifier re-determining request is sent in a form of a media accesscontrol (MAC) layer control packet.
 17. The apparatus according to claim13, wherein the memory is configured to store further instructions,which, when executed by the processor, causes the apparatus to performsteps further comprising: receiving an acknowledge response from theaccess network node, wherein the acknowledge response is used forindicating that the access network node acknowledges that the uplinkdata has been received, and wherein the acknowledge response comprisesthe access network dedicated identifier of the UE, or, the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE and security parameteracknowledge information.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the resource for sending data is pre-allocated.
 19. Theapparatus according to claim 13, wherein the memory is configured tostore further instructions, which, when executed by the processor,causes the apparatus to perform steps further comprising: before sendingthe uplink data to the access network node, receiving, a paging requestfrom the access network node, the paging request comprising downlinkdata; and sending a paging response corresponding to the paging requestto the access network node.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the memory is configured to store further instructions, which,when executed by the processor, causes the apparatus to perform stepsfurther comprising: obtaining the target security parameter used in theRRC connected mode that the UE currently requests to enter by deducingaccording to the information indicating the target security parameter, abase station key corresponding to the security parameter being a basestation key used previously in the RRC connected mode.
 21. An apparatus,applied for an access network node, comprising a memory and a processor,wherein the memory is configured to store instructions and the processoris configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus toperform steps comprising: receiving an uplink data request from a userequipment (UE) when in a radio resource control (RRC) power saving modein which some context information of an RRC connected mode is stored inthe UE by using a shared resource for data, wherein the uplink datarequest comprises uplink data and request information that is used forrequesting to enter the RRC connected mode; establishing an RRCconnection to the UE according to the request information: determiningan access network dedicated identifier of the UE; and sending the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE to the UE to cause the UE to bein the RRC connected mode within a validity period of the access networkdedicated identifier of the UE; wherein the uplink data is securityprotected by using a target security parameter; and wherein the memoryis configured to store further instructions, which, when executed by theprocessor, causes the apparatus to perform steps further comprising:before receiving the uplink data request, sending, in the RRC connectedmode before the UE enters the RRC power saving mode, informationindicating the target security parameter to be used next time the UEenters the RRC connected mode, wherein the target security parameter hasnot been used previously in the RRC connected mode.
 22. The apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein the request information comprises anon-access stratum identifier (NAS ID) of the UE and first indicationinformation that is used for requesting to establish an RRC connection;and wherein the memory is configured to store further instructions,which, when executed by the processor, causes the apparatus to performsteps further comprising: establishing the RRC connection to the UEaccording to the first indication information and allocating the accessnetwork dedicated identifier of the UE that corresponds to the NAS ID tothe UE.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the requestinformation comprises: the access network dedicated identifier used bythe UE in the RRC connected mode before entering the RRC power savingmode and second indication information that is used for resuming an RRCconnection; and wherein the memory is configured to store furtherinstructions, which, when executed by the processor, causes theapparatus to perform steps further comprising: resuming an RRCconnection to the UE according to the second indication information; andreusing the access network dedicated identifier of the UE.
 24. Theapparatus according to claim 21, wherein the memory is configured tostore further instructions, which, when executed by the processor,causes the apparatus to perform steps further comprising: sending anacknowledge response to the UE, wherein the acknowledge response is usedfor indicating that the access network node acknowledges that the uplinkdata has been received, and wherein the acknowledge response comprisesthe access network dedicated identifier of the UE, or the acknowledgeresponse comprises the access network dedicated identifier of the UE andsecurity parameter acknowledge information.
 25. The apparatus accordingto claim 21, wherein the memory is configured to store furtherinstructions, which, when executed by the processor, causes theapparatus to perform steps further comprising: receiving a downlinktransmission instruction from a core network node; determining a pagingoccasion after receiving the downlink transmission instruction accordingto a modulus value of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)of the UE, the modulus value being stored in the access network node;and sending a paging request to the UE according to the paging occasion.26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the paging requestcomprises downlink data.